2026 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

This research paper aims to explore strategies, challenges, and sustainability considerations for establishing and maintaining an active learning environment using innovative pedagogy within a rapidly expanding aviation and engineering technology program at a minority-serving institution. The institution's mission is to educate students through innovation and inclusive pedagogical approaches. As student enrollment continues to rise, maintaining high-quality, engaging learning experiences has become a critical focus. The study explores how innovative pedagogical approaches can be effectively integrated and sustained in large-enrollment classrooms and laboratories. The study mainly employs a combination of quantitative and qualitative research methodologies. Quantitative data includes an analysis of past student enrollment and attendance trends over the past five years. This quantitative analysis establishes a framework for understanding the program’s future enrollment projections and their implications for student experience and teaching resources, with a specific focus on the evolving faculty-to-student ratio.Qualitative methods include classroom observations, student surveys, and class feedback mechanisms involving instructors and learners, which provide valuable insights into the experiential aspects of the learning environment for instructors. This research intends to identify and evaluate the challenges associated with maintaining an active learning environment in large-enrollment lectures and laboratories. Through this comprehensive investigation, the study aims to contribute to innovative pedagogical strategies surrounding active learning in higher education, particularly in large student enrollment classes and programs.